I created this because there's a lot of posts nowadays asking for upgrade advice both on here and on the CPU forums, and I feel like we could use a standard format like for build advice. I especially would like to know people's motivation for upgrading before making recommendations because that's very rarely provided in the OP from what I've seen.

Please, if you can think of something to add or change, post. On to the guide:

Create a New Topic for your upgrade with a descriptive title, such as "$300 PSU and GPU", not just "Help" or "Upgrading Computer". Do this by clicking the red "Ask the Community" button that appears on this page above this post.

In order to make things easy, copy and paste the following template into your post and edit the italicized examples to suit your needs:

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: this week (the closer the better)

Budget Range:(e.g.: 300-400) Before / After Rebates; Before / After Shipping

System Usage from Most to Least Important:(e.g.: Folding@Home, gaming, surfing the internet, watching movies)

Additional Comments:(e.g.: Need to have a window and lots of bling, I would like a quiet PC. Please also list specific software or games you're using)

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading:(e.g. I'm having trouble running game X or my PSU broke)

Include a list of any parts you have already selected with descriptively labeled links for parts. Please do not post only links.

The easiest method is to paste the label on one line and then paste the link below it.
Example:Logitech 920-000914 Black 106 Normal Keys Wired Ultra-thin Illuminated Keyboard - Retailhttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126043

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